Jamee Suarez and Robin Suarez
The Tulsa sisters behind the Oklahoma Alliance for Animals receive the 2021 Kirkpatrick Honor for Animal Wellbeing, photographed with nineteen animals in one studio session.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY Shevaun Williams
WHEN ASKED TO summarize their efforts in animal welfare in three words, Jamee Suarez says, “Challenging. Rewarding. Unfinished. And inspiring.” Jamee and her sister, Robin Suarez, will be recognized with the 2021 Kirkpatrick Honor for Animal Wellbeing at the triennial ANIMAL Conference on August 27–28, 2021, in Oklahoma City. The Tulsa-based sisters formed the Oklahoma Alliance for Animals in 2004 and, every day since, have dedicated their efforts to mitigating pet homelessness, abuse, and neglect. The sisters have built a respected, innovative, and far-reaching organization that helps animals across the state, all while keeping it a mostly volunteer-run operation. In as many words, we say, “Thank you, from us all.”
Calling All Critters
Photographer Shevaun Williams and studio assistants Paige Williams and Jessica Morgan researched and prepared for four weeks to bring nineteen animals into the studio on May 6, 2021. Chickens Ruby and Black Pearl and comfort dog Sledge belong to Aubin Lunsford. Blue Heeler puppy D’jango and BB Prince, a Golden Retriever mix, appear courtesy of Jennifer Kloeppel and Boys Town Ranch in Edmond, Oklahoma. Cats Servo and Rudi belong to Paige Williams. Sebastian the owl and Hail the red-tailed hawk arrived in the care of Dennis Smith with Raptor’s Keep in Edmond, Oklahoma. Juliette the turkey and Penelope the dairy cow came from Lisa Carpenter at 4C Farms. Goats Lillie and Boo Who and Boots the rabbit are with Teresa Norton. Rocky the miniature horse and Corky the piglet are with Autumn Bellinger and Saving Grace Mini Rescue Farm. Bearded dragon Zeppelin arrived thanks to Kate Studdard. Hair and makeup by Teresa Luz; behind-the-scenes video by Blake Studdard; technical support by Adobe Photoshop, and Great Plains scenic backdrop painted by Lauren Rosenfelt. The talent was perfectly behaved; many thanks to all for their good humor and dedication to animals.